The dog days of summer can take a bite out of a team’s energy. Recognizing that, manager Clint Hurdle didn’t require his team to show up today until 4 p.m., about 1 ½ hours later than usual. It’s part of Hurdle’s plan to keep the Rockies fresh as they head into August and September.

By the numbers: Rockies pitchers have issued just 200 walks this season, the fourth lowest in the majors. The only staffs with fewer walks are Cleveland (269), Minnesota (277) and San Diego (283). The Rockies have never finished better than ninth in the National League in walks allowed.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.